All-seater stadiums were introduced more than 20 years ago following the Taylor report into the Hillsborough disaster.

But the return of safe standing areas is backed by 92% of fans and the majority of Football League clubs who claim it will create better atmosphere on match days.

The Lib Dems say the move would also allow clubs to offer cheaper tickets for fans, many of whom cannot afford £1,000-plus season tickets.

The party’s 2015 general election manifesto will contain a commitment to allow clubs to introduce “rail seating” - which allow sections of a stand to be converted easily from seating to standing.

Supporters of the plan say safe standing is allowed in domestic leagues across Europe, including Germany, Austria and Sweden. In the Bundesliga, standing season tickets at clubs such as Bayern Munich start from £150. By contrast, the cheapest season ticket at Arsenal this year is £1,014.

The Safe Standing Campaign said it was a “no brainer” to bring back standing for top flight matches when it was already allowed in League One and Two clubs.

It said the Taylor report did not find the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy was caused by standing but by overcrowding, stadium layout, and poor policing.

John Leech MP, the Lib Dem spokemsan for Culture, Media and Sport, said: “The Liberal Democrats believe football clubs should be allowed to introduce safe standing areas where there is a desire to do so. Safe standing is allowed in many other sports and we do not believe that the top level of football should be an exception.

“We are not calling for a return of the terraces of the 1980s. Modern safe standing areas using ‘rail seating’ operate very successfully in top tier football across Europe.

“Safe standing offers supporters more choice, a better atmosphere and cheaper tickets. It is an idea whose time has come and I am proud that it is the Liberal Democrats are the first political party to commit to delivering this.”

A spokesperson for the Football Supporters’ Federation said: “The Welsh Assembly recently backed safe standing and it’s positive to see the Lib Dems are serious about safe standing too. Fans’ campaigns and increasing football industry support is crucial, but political will is also required.

“Football can’t bury its head in the sand, tens of thousands already stand at games. Clubs who back rail seats are simply listening to their fans and responding to safety needs. Germany has had rail seats for many years and they have had no problems. The Government tells us it needs robust proof - let’s have a trial and prove it’s safe.

“Nine out of 10 fans also think football is too expensive and safe standing could help with that. Standing areas in safety conscious nations such as Germany are traditionally far cheaper, with season tickets available for a fraction of the cost of football at equivalent sized clubs in the UK.”

The Football League’s Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, said: “Since being given a mandate by our clubs to lobby for a change to the law on the use of standing accommodation, we have had useful discussions with the Sports Minister and other relevant stakeholders on this matter.

“We recognise that this is an extremely emotive issue and that significant change isn’t necessarily going to happen overnight. However, a logical first step would be for safe standing products, such as rail-seating, to be licensed for use by the relevant authorities. This would enable one of the 21 Football League clubs that is not currently required by law to have an all-seater stadium to install a pilot scheme at its ground.

“This would give everybody greater insight into the use of this type of accommodation and help take the debate forward in a cautious and responsible manner, as it would not require any changes to the existing law as these clubs are already permitted to have fans standing at their matches.”

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